MOLINE CENTRE PLAN
WEST GATEWAY DISTRICT
DISTRICT CONCEPT
The West Gateway District will be a high-density, mixed-use area within walking distance of the Centre Station transit stop and 5th and 6th Avenue retail area. The design and mix uses will emphasize a pedestrian-oriented environment that reinforces the use of public transportation.
The objective of this plan is to encourage transit-oriented development (TOD) at the Moline Centre Station location and develop a model for land use development at other existing or planned transit facilities. This plan provides recommendations to leverage investments in transit facilities to spur desired land uses and generate economic development.
The vision of the West Gateway District consists of three primary redevelopment areas:
- The Centre Station Redevelopment Zone
- The 12th Street residential mixed-use development
- The Community Center and Marketplace Plaza Development (El Mercado)
EXISTING CONDITIONS
As shown on the Preservation & Redevelopment map, the West Gateway District shows a high degree of redevelopment potential due to physical and visual blight as well as inappropriate land-use patterns.
PLAN STATEGY
Centre Station Redevelopment Zone
Centre Station in John Deere Commons is a mixed-use mass transit hub constructed in 1999. Centre Station was sited along the railroad tracks that run through the metropolitan area serving the riverfront corridors. The plan for Centre Station includes rail service. It is currently being studied as a potential Amtrak rail station and the central station for a rapid transit commuter system.
Hotel & Meeting Facility
The conceptual drawing identifies the potential of placing a training facility above the existing parking deck. Training facilities uses in cooperation with the i wireless Centre. This development of facilities will be market driven and as the City expands there likely will be a continued demand for convention, meeting, training, and hospitality facilities.
The conceptual drawing also suggests a potential, alternate hotel site that could be connected by skywalk to the i wireless Centre. More hotel rooms will be required in the immediate vicinity of the i wireless Centre when it expands its convention facilities.
Office Building Development
Proximity of the transit center decreases the number of parking stalls that will need t be allocated for compact office development in the downtown area. The conceptual drawing defines the opportunity to construct significant new office space on lands that have been previously identified for major redevelopment.
Urban Housing Infill and Adaptive Reuse
As in the Main Street District, a primary focus should be the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of loft apartments. Increasing housing density in not only key to reinvigorating 5th Avenue economics, but bringing rapid transit to the Quad Cities.
12th Street Housing Zone
The Master Plan calls for the reconfiguration of the entry into downtown at 5th Avenue. The former bus transfer site is proposed for assisted living. The areas around this site should be targeted for residential new construction infill. As much as possible, first floor retail/commercial should be encouraged with business that complement and serve the new residential neighborhood being created.
Market-Rate Housing & Mixed-Use Development
A variety of mixed-market housing options and rent structure pacing will create a more “livable place” and will allow for a much faster rate of development absorption. Retail uses that support residential living, such as coffee shop, daycare, grocery, drycleaner, and similar uses that would benefit from the pedestrian resident should be encouraged.
Velie Park Enhancements
Velie Park is an important asset to the development of the market rate and assisted living housing within the West Gateway District. As proposed, new housing would face the park. The park should be expanded and a master plan should be drawn up. This gateway is a critical entrance to Moline Centre from Rock Island.
Community Recreation Center
An indoor soccer field, a gymnasium, a workout room, an art and crafts room, a community meeting space, and a childcare facility could be incorporated into a Moline Centre community recreation facility. The city should coordinate with the Floreciente neighborhood and nonprofits in the area to determine activities that would draw people to this facility.
Marketplace Plaza (El Mercado)
The design of El Mercado will reflect the heritage of the abutting Floreciente neighborhood. Storefront should be constructed in conjunction with the community recreation center that would provide affordable retail and restaurant space for those within the community to open a new or expand an existing business. In warmer months, an outdoor “mercado” or market will be sent up with vendors selling foods and crafts.
DESIGN STRATEGY
The design strategy is to create a pedestrian-scaled mixed-use area and a symbolic west entry to Moline Centre. Mixed commercial and residential buildings are proposed along 12th Street with coordinated residential developments proposed for the blocks west of 12th Street. All structures should be two to four stories in height and with minimal setbacks. Pedestrian streetscape improvements tie these developments together.